“No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, that those who come in may see the light. The light of the body is the eye. Therefore, when your eye is good, your whole body also is full of light. But when your eye is bad, your body also is full of darkness. Therefore take heed that the light which is in you is not darkness. If then, your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, the whole thing will be full of light, as when the bright shining of a lamp gives you light” (Luke 11: 33-36.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Most ancient lamps were round, hollow clay containers filled with oil. One end of the wick was plunged into the oil; the protruding end was then lit. Although the visible wick seemed to be the source of the light, it was not; the true source was the oil hidden within the lamp. Every human being is a lamp; a vessel; a hollow container that is meant to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Much like the flaming wick, the light from within man, pours out of the eyes (for all the world to see.) Those who observe the radiance of Christ are drawn toward it; God’s greatest desire is for others to receive His Spirit, that they might be transformed and become vessels of His light to all those who dwell in darkness.

As a new Christian I remember that some believers eyes were unique; looking into them was like looking into crystal clear water; there were no waves; there was no turmoil; just a supernatural purity and peace (Their eyes weren’t shifty; they blinked less, and they always maintained eye contact when talking.) However, some people’s eyes were filled with darkness. I knew one man who was engaging in perversion and grievous sin; his unusual eyes were dull, and covered in a yellowish film; even the hair and the skin on his face appeared drab (his condition was not biological, but spiritual.) As he began to grow closer to God, that yellowish film began to fade away; his eyes began to clear; and his face beganto warm. Similarly, when a person has a seizure, or suffers a concussion, their eyes go blank and they become unresponsive; the lights go out; it is as if the person is no longer there. The eyes of those who walk in darkness are empty. They may live, work, have children, and even pay taxes, but they are not truly alive; they are hollow on the inside; they are dead; and only Christ can breathe life into them.

Today, many are overflowing with the Spirit of God and many are not. How can non-believers be filled and believers grow closer to the Lord? They can ask God daily for His Holy Spirit. They can take the time to pray and to speak with God. Reading the bible is another act that produces faithfulness. Also, practicing the teachings of Christ will increase spiritual growth. Every act of selflessness, charity, outreach, and love increases our intimacy with God. As God continues to fill us, others will see something different in our eyes. They will see a peace, clarity, purity, and a genuine hope that only the children of God possess. May God fill you with His Holy Spirit, and may you be a light to others in a dark world.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we lift You up; You are an awesome and mighty God; full of grace, peace, and mercy. Push the darkness out of our hearts, and fill us to overflowing with Your light. Help us to have eyes that are beacons of hope to others; eyes through which You can draw the lost to Yourself and to Your Son. May our eyes reveal all of Your glory, and all of Your goodness. We love You Lord, we thank You, and we praise You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.”